FAQs

Examples of class 1 pat tests includes: refriderators, washing machines, flood lights, desktop computers and electrical radiators. Examples of class 2 pat tests include: projectors, televisions, hairdryers and main-powered charging units.

The threshold for passing the insulation test is 1MΩ. This means that the Insulation reading must be over 1MΩ to Pass the test. The PAT tester will gauge the resistance between the earth and the connected live parts (Live and Neutral). The threshold for passing the earth test is 0.1Ω. This means that the reading must be below 0.1Ω to pass the test.

The current PAT testing regulations in the UK are the 5th edition of the ‘In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment Code of Practice’.

The latest PAT testing regulations in the uk are the 5th edition of the ‘In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment Code of Practice’.

PAT testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing.

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the name given to the process of inspecting electrical equipment and appliances to make sure it is safe to use. The majority of electrical safety flaws can be seen visually examined, but some flaws can only be detected through testing.

Yes. The power would need to be turned off for approximately 30 minutes per circuit & the power turned off to the whole house or flat for about 15 minutes also, for a few final tests at the end.

An EICR is a complex series of tests and shouldn’t be rushed. The size of the installation and therefore the time taken will vary massively depending on the nature of the building. As a general rule, we schedule 30 minutes per circuit for an EICR, but some circuits such as lighting or ring circuits may take longer. Also lack of labelling or documentation will slow it down.

During an EICR the testing consists of multiple visual inspections and electrical tests and covers ALL hardwiring such as sockets, lighting, switches, main panels, distribution boards, air conditioning and other fixed electrical components.

It is a legal requirement for private residential landlords to have an EICR every 5 years in nearly all cases. However for private homeowners or commercial/industrial properties an electrical safety certificate is not a legal requirement, but may be required as part of an insurance policy or lease agreement.

During an EICR the testing consists of multiple visual inspections and electrical tests and covers all hardwiring such as sockets, lighting, switches, main panels, distribution boards, air conditioning and other fixed electrical components.

An electrical installation comprises all the fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through the electricity meter. What makes up an electric installation? Consumer unit (fusebox or distribution boards) that contains all the fuses, circuit-breakers and preferably residual current devices (RCDs). Cabling, including that which is concealed in the ceiling and walls. Accessories (such as sockets, switches and light fittings) (such as sockets, switches and light fittings).An electrical installation comprises all the fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through the electricity meter. What makes up an electric installation? Consumer unit (fusebox or distribution boards) that contains all the fuses, circuit-breakers and preferably residual current devices (RCDs). Cabling, including that which is concealed in the ceiling and walls. Accessories (such as sockets, switches and light fittings) (such as sockets, switches and light fittings).

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) comprises of checking all the fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through the electricity meter. What makes up an electric installation? Consumer unit (fusebox or distribution boards) that contains all the fuses, circuit-breakers and preferably residual current devices (RCDs). Cabling, including that which is concealed in the ceiling and walls. Accessories (such as sockets, switches and light fittings) (such as sockets, switches and light fittings).

The cost for an EICR per circuit will vary depending on the size of the building, age/condition of installation and the building type. Certain installations are more complex than others so will vary. If there are no records and the circuits are not easy to identify, an hourly rate may be more suitable.

The price of an EICR can vary from hundreds into 10s of thousands depending on the type of building and complexity of the electrical installation.

An EICR is a series of visual inspections followed by electrical tests by a suitably qualified and experienced engineer that determines the condition of an electrical installation and can be used as a starting point for any necessary remedial works.

An EICR should only be performed by some electricians qualified to perform an EICR and familiar with the type of installation they are testing. This is done to make sure they are capable of comprehending the periodic codes needed for an EICR. An EICR gives you peace of mind that your property’s electrical system is safe, properly installed, and compliant with all applicable laws.

Your emergency lighting needs to be checked monthly and have a full test annually for most systems. Central battery systems or some other specialist types may need more detailed maintenace.

The latest regulations guide is the British Standards for emergency lighting testing BS 5266- 1. This has details on requirements and regulations when it comes to emergency lighting testing.

The latest regulations guide is the British Standards for emergency lighting testing BS 5266- 1. This has details on requirements and regulations when it comes to emergency lighting testing.

The latest regulations guide is the British Standards for emergency lighting testing BS 5266- 1. This has details on requirements and regulations when it comes to emergency lighting testing.

Your emergency lighting needs to be checked monthly and have a full test annually. Every month you need to switch off the mains power supply to the emergency lighting unit. Often, a separate switch with a ‘fish key’ is installed allowing the testing of emergency lights without having to switch off all the power. Once the main power supply is off you need to walk past all the emergency lights to ensure they are working. If there are any faults, they must be fixed right away. The outcomes of your monthly inspections should be noted in your fire safety logbook.

A discharge test is when power to a light is isolated for a set period of time, allowing the light to run on its battery and check it is functioning. Usually it is undertaken for the full required back up time of the emergency lighting, either 1 or 3 hours.

Your emergency lighting needs to be checked monthly and have a full test annually. The latest regulations guide is the British Standards for emergency lighting testing BS 5266- 1. This has details on requirements and regulations when it comes to emergency lighting testing.

Legally, any competent person may take out an emergency lighting test. Competence is usually defined as someone who has the relevant training, technical knowledge, experience, tools and skills.

None can ever be sold as ‘all purpose’ as some specialist materials will require specialist extinguishing equipment, however some extinguishers are ‘multi-purpose’ and can extinguish different types of fires.

Mostly, yes, although it depends on the type. Refilling Dry Powder extinguishers is not straightforward as the valves require cleaning to make sure the power has not contaminated it on discharge. Aerosol-type extinguishers are sealed and cannot be serviced. For some types, it’s cheaper to buy new & recycle the old extinguisher than to refill.

Fire extinguishers must be disposed of by a competent person. If they are under pressure they are extremely dangerous and should never be placed in general waste. The contents must be disposed of in different ways depending on what they are. The bodies, once empty and unpressurised, are mostly metal and will be sent for recycling once made safe by a fire extinguisher engineer. To make it simple we can deal with this for you while servicing.

At least once per year, with annually being the most common frequency of servicing.

BSEN3 is the standard that dictates fire extinguishers should be 95% red with up to 5% of another colour to identify the type of extinguisher. The different colour codes are:
Water = Red
Dry Powder = Blue
Foam = Cream
CO2 = Black
Wet Chemical = Yellow

Any extinguishers over 2kg, and a 2kg CO2, should have their handles mounted at 1m from the floor level.
Any fire extinguishers smaller than this, should have their handles mounted at 1.5m from the ground.

This handy graphic shows you exactly what type of fire each extinguisher can be used on. If you’re not sure or if you have specialist risks such as flammable metals, please get in touch for details of our risk assessment & fire extinguisher selection service.

Different types of fires have different characteristics. What they are fueled by significantly alters how they must be extinguished. The different extinguishers are then located in different areas of the building to ensure that the risks of that area are sufficiently covered.

Yes. Domestic fire detection is covered by a different British Standard than the commercial detection systems, BS5839-6:2019 (part 6, 2019 update). The service and maintenance part is quite vague, saying that they should be maintained in line with manufacturers recommendations. Each will vary slightly and you’ll be able to find the instructions on the manufacturers website & in the most part they can be done yourself. Most will include;

Turn off the power
Check battery is in date (usually 10 years but do vary) and replace battery or detector if required
Vacuum out chamber to minimise false or non alarms from dust build up
Wipe with a clean damp cloth
Press the button to test

In some properties such as HMOs & other private rentals you may need 3rd party certification to prove to the insurance company or council that it has been completed. We can offer that as a service including an asset register with model numbers, manufacturers instructions & battery/detector expiry dates.

We’re familiar with all the major manufacturers and their equipment, such as Advanced, Kentec, C-Tec, Fike, Gent & more.